Are you ready for a personal branding photoshoot, but you just don’t know what questions to ask? There are many factors to consider when selecting your personal branding photographer. If you want to make the best decision for you and your business, then I highly recommend not asking Google what you should ask.
As a personal brand photographer for confident, luxury real estate agents in the Tampa Bay area for the past 3 years, I’ve had many agents ask a variety of questions during our connection calls.
While there are no wrong questions to ask, there are certain questions that will give you impactful information to help you decide if that photographer is the best to fit your needs and goals.
Not only will you learn what questions to ask in this feature, but why. No two photographers are alike. It’s vital to a successful experience that the photographer you select aligns with your needs and goals.
Let’s dive in!
QUESTIONS TO ASK
No. 1 What inspired you to become a brand photographer?
Asking a photographer about their inspiration and motivation can help you understand their values and help you see if they align with your brand’s values and goals. The more you are aligned with your photographer, the more magic you can create together.
No. 2 What does the planning process look like?
There is so much more to being a brand photographer other than taking pretty, modern headshots. If the photographer doesn’t understand your marketing goals and vision, it’s nearly impossible to create photographs that will allow you to plug and play them into your marketing.
This is typically done during a strategy/planning call a few weeks before your session. Ask your photographer if they do this with you and what is discussed during the call. If they ONLY talk about outfits, props, and location, let it be a red flag that they aren’t digging into your marketing strategy.
No. 3 What is your editing style and are there any additional fees associated with editing?
You may not know that most photographers have a clause in their contracts stating adding filters or doing additional edits is prohibited. In order to create consistency in your marketing, it’s important to select a photographer who you not only like their work but their editing style too.
For instance, if you want a ‘true-to-life’ feeling to your images, then going with a photographer that edits with a light and airy style that has a pinkish tone isn’t going to give you what you’re looking for.
Take some time to envision what your end marketing goals are!
No. 4 What can I expect after the photoshoot?
When you know exactly what to expect after the photoshoot is complete, you avoid any surprises. Your photographer should be sharing what to expect after the photoshoot.
Things such as:
If you have the option to select the final photos and how long does it take to get your images back?
No. 5 How do you handle unexpected challenges during a photoshoot?
There are many things we can’t control in life, and the weather is certainly one of them. Emergencies too. Understanding your photographers’ rescheduling policy can save you time, stress, and even money (like how to avoid a rescheduling fee).
No. 6 What is included in your package and do you offer payment plans?
Investing in your business and YOU can be your biggest asset. Imagine feeling ready to do a personal branding photoshoot. While doing your research on who to hire, you come across pricing information. And it’s more than what you currently have budgeted. So, you decide to not reach out believing you can’t afford their services, and start to save up your money.
Only to discover you could have scheduled your photoshoot much sooner with smaller monthly payments.
Do yourself a favor and reach out to ask what the options are. You may be pleasantly surprised!
What is not included in my list – What camera do you use?
Stop and think about this question for a moment. What is your end goal for asking this question? How will knowing what camera and equipment the photographer uses help you make your decision?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you shouldn’t inquire about the photographers’ experience with their equipment. Or how they handle different lighting situations. Especially if this gives you more confidence about who you are hiring.
Bonus
Knowing what your marketing goals/strategies are before connecting with a photographer is a bonus. This allows your conversation to go deeper into how you create images you not only love but are excited to use.
But let’s say you’re not sure what your marketing goals/strategies are. Let the photographer know you need help. If they aren’t able to assist you, then that photographer may not be the best match for you.
By asking the right questions, you can ensure that the photographer you choose is in alignment with your goals. I hope these questions have you thinking deeper about the importance of finding the right photographer!
Over here cheering you on, no matter whose camera you step in front of! Take action in your business and your business will create action!
Looking for Pose, Outfit, and Prop ideas?
Check out these popular personal branding photoshoots!
Hi!!
Just checking out your blog>>>>>>Very Fun!